Former Veterinarian Arrested For Brutally Debarking Dogs

Andrea Powell

By Andrea Powell

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A former veterinarian was arrested in Iowa after she illegally and brutally ‘debarked’ four dogs in Pennsylvania.

Denise Felling, 55, of Iowa County, Iowa, was arrested by the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office. A warrant was issued for her arrest in Pennsylvania after four dogs were found illegally ‘debarked’. She is scheduled to be extradited back to Pennsylvania to face felony charges.

She faces “felony charges of animal cruelty for allegedly illegally ‘debarking’ at least four dogs,” states Metro.

Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA) discovered four illegally debarked dogs in Lancaster County. The PSPCA is dedicated to ending animal cruelty and prosecuting people to the fullest extent who mistreat animals. They tracked Felling halfway across the country to charge her for the brutal acts she committed.

The ‘debarked’ dogs were owned by a dog breeder in the county, who is also facing charges. Felling allegedly ‘debarked’ the dogs by shoving a rod-like instrument repeatedly down their throats to permanently destroy their vocal chords. It gets worse…

Nicole Wilson, director of Humane Law Enforcement at the PSPCA states, “It is extremely painful, and after she was done, she left no medications for these animals to address pain or the possibility of infection.”

She goes on to say, “It is just hard to imagine that someone who at some point was licensed in the state of Iowa to provide care and treatment for animals would turn her back on that, to move forward and torture animals in this way.”

Dogs communicate through barking and body language. Dogs are already voiceless in so many ways, and literally taking away their ability to bark is cruel and unnecessary. Sign and share the petition below to end the brutal act of debarking.

Ban Debarking!: Click “Next” below!

Andrea Powell is an animal enthusiast who lives in West Michigan. Her horse and 3 dogs are her children. She loves to write and share her knowledge of equine and canine nutrition. In her spare time she likes to volunteer with animal rescues, camp with her husband and dogs, and trail ride with her horse.

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